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Sudden death by Lepomis macrochirus (the killer fish).
1Forensic Facility, Doctors Hospital of Stark County, Massillon, Ohio 44646.
The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|September 1, 1989
Summary
A live fish caused a person's death by blocking their airway, not by poisoning or allergic reaction. This rare case highlights unusual causes of asphyxia.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Toxicology
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Anaphylactoid reactions and fish poisoning are known risks associated with fish consumption.
- Accidental airway obstruction can lead to severe respiratory compromise.
Observation:
- A deceased individual was found with a live, whole fish lodged in their mouth and upper airway.
- Autopsy excluded fish poisoning and anaphylactoid reactions as causes of death.
Findings:
- The direct cause of death was asphyxia resulting from the fish physically occluding the oropharynx and upper airway.
- The fish remained alive at the time of airway occlusion.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering mechanical airway obstruction by foreign objects, even unusual ones, in forensic investigations.
- It highlights a rare, non-toxicological, non-allergic mechanism of death related to aquatic organisms.